MacBook 512MB = Slow

[robPOD]

Hi All
I have a 1.83ghz CD macbook with 512mb of ram. I am finding that it is begginning to get really slow i.e (with nothing else running)it will beachball for like 8 seconds before it opens safari, etc. I reformatted a few weeks ago and it seemed to speed things up but now it seems to be back to its slow old self. I was wondering if I should upgrade my ram to 1 or 2gb. So I have the following options about upgrading my ram:

- Buy 2x 512mb Sticks
- Buy 1x 1gb stick and keep my other 256 stick (Is this advisable?)
- Or Buy 2x 1gb sticks

I am only 16 and really want to get a new iPod touch next week (if they are released) but also need to upgrade my ram in my laptop.

What is this ram like is it of a good quality? Transcend JetRam 200pin DDR2-667 1GB SO-DIMM

Any thoughts, Thanks?

 

[Eidorian]

Get the 1 GB stick for now.

 

[clevin]

yea, get a 1Gx1 stick, and total of 1.25GB is good enough for now.

 

[robPOD]

yea, get a 1Gx1 stick, and total of 1.25GB is good enough for now.

I heard that unmatched pairs of ram isn't reccomended?

 

[flopticalcube]

Unmatched makes only a small difference in speed. More memory is better.

 

[Eidorian]

I heard that unmatched pairs of ram isn't reccomended?

Only if you're going to be gaming or running something graphically intensive.

 

[clevin]

I heard that unmatched pairs of ram isn't reccomended?

only if you do alot of graphic card intense work, like games..

otherwise, you shouldn't notice the difference.

http://lowendmac.com/musings/07/0525.html

their conclusion is

Matched RAM only seems to make a significant difference for gaming - and if that's what you want to do, the MacBook simply isn't the ideal platform.

 

[dollystereo]

Get 1gb, you can get that for around 30USD, patriot ram is cheap and good.
if you find a deal for 2x1gb take it.

 

[robPOD]

Thnaks for that I will buy the 1gb stick does any one know if this ram is any good i.e of good qaulity? Transcend JetRam 200pin DDR2-667 1GB SO-DIMM

 

[clevin]

Transcent is decent.

 

[robPOD]

Thanks again I have gone ahead and brought the ram

 

[briansolomon]

Even 768 is a vast improvement. I have 768, had 512, but am upgrading to 2 GB tomorrow. I have a friend who is giving me 2gb for $50. Couldn't pass it up!

 

[Wayfarer]

www.crucial.com

Highly recommended.

 

[CanadaRAM]

Guide - for future reference

 

[robPOD]

I have just recived and installed the ram and WOW what a difference it makes, no more beachballs, I will be buying another 1gb stick of ram when I have more money.

 

[Eidorian]

I have just recived and installed the ram and WOW what a difference it makes bo more beachballs, I will be buying another 1gb stick of ram when I have more money.

That was fast!

Glad you like the extra RAM.